Non electric coffee makers provide a solid alternative to their more expensive, often more bulky electric counterparts. Plus, they are typically more versatile. For example, some non electric coffee makers can be used to make fruit-infused drinks.
There are a lot of different types of non electric coffee makers though. There are percolators, pour over coffee makers and cold presses just to name a few. To help you sort through all your options, we have compiled the following list of the 7 best non electric coffee makers.
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
The first product on our list is a pour over type of non electric coffee maker. You might know this type better as a non electric drip coffee maker. The concept is the same: pour water over grounds that are held by a suspending cup so the water flows into a vessel and is separated from the grounds.
This Bodum brand coffee maker features stainless steel mesh filter that holds the coffee grounds. The carafe itself is made of hand-blown borosilicate glass so it is toxin free. The carafe can hold up to 17 ounces of coffee.
TAKEYA Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
This next non electric coffee pot would be perfect if you like cold brew coffee. All you have to do is load your coffee grounds, seal the lid and store it in the fridge. It comes with it’s own spout so when your brew is finished, you just have to align the spout with the holes and pour.
This is a 1 quart cold brew coffee maker and it is made from BPA tritan plastic. It has a very sturdy handle to make pouring easy and clean. There are multiple sizes and colors to choose from as well.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 12-Cup Coffee Percolator
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
If you’re looking for a non electric coffee maker for camping, this Farberware model would be a great fit. This is a simple coffee percolator. All you have to do is put your grounds in the permanent filter basket add water and place the percolator on a stove or over an open flame.
The vessel is made from stainless steel so it has a classic look but it’s also durable. That’s part of what makes it a good choice for camping – it can rattle around in your backpack without breaking. It can make 12 cups at a time. The handle also stays cool to the touch.
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This is another pour over-type non electric coffee maker – this time from Chemex. This is a beautiful coffee maker made of borosilicate glass. There is a faux wood sleeve in the middle so you can safely grab the carafe and pour your brew.
This Chemex coffee maker can make up to 8 cups of coffee at a time and works great as a decorative piece on your dining table, in your living room or in your kitchen. There is no basket filter for grounds though so you will still have to use paper filters.
Mueller French Press Double Insulated 310 Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
There’s nothing quite like the deep, rich flavor of coffee when it comes hot out of a French press. This is a quadruple level filter French press from Mueller. The walls of the carafe are double-insulated and it can keep your coffee hot for up to an hour.
The set comes complete with a stainless steel coffee ground canister for easy storage of your favorite beans or grounds. The exterior of the carafe is made form 310 stainless steel and it can make 34 ounces of coffee at a time.
Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is another French press coffee maker – this time from Bodum. The Bodum French press coffee maker has a clean and elegant design – almost like a decorative piece for your kitchen. The lid seals tight to avoid spills and the plunger moves smoothly.
The Bodum French press coffee maker comes in a variety of sizes. You can also choose from a borosilicate glass carafe or a shatter-proof plastic carafe.
NH-Kitchen Mini Espresso Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
If you’re more of an espresso person and are on the go a lot, this may be the perfect product for you. This is a portable espresso maker. How portable you ask? It stands just 7 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
It comes with everything needed to make espresso including a mini water tank, piston, filter, spout and even it’s own espresso cup. Simply add your grounds into the filter, add hot water, close the maker and pump the grounds by hand.
Non-Electric Coffee Maker Buying Guide
If you are still on the fence about what you want, here are some tips for choosing the best non electric coffee maker:
Buy to your Size
Maybe the most important factor is buying the right size coffee maker. Many non electric coffee makers are compact but can’t produce as much coffee as you may want at once.
Filters
Some non-electric coffee makers don’t require paper filters and some do. If you don’t want to have to keep buying filters, choose one that has a permanent filter basket.
Avoid Plastic
As much as you can, avoid coffee makers with a lot of plastic parts. Try to choose one that uses mostly glass and stainless steel parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a way to make coffee without electricity?
A: Yes. All you need is a way to heat up water. Typically, you simply pour hot water over coffee grounds or add it to a press.
Q: How do you use a non electric coffee maker?
A: It depends on the type. A non electric coffee percolator for instance requires a stove or open flame to heat the water. Others require you to pump the device by hand.
Q: Does water have to be boiling for coffee?
A: No. You should boil water but let it rest until it is simply hot before you add it to your grounds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a coffee lover it may be a good idea to have a non electric coffee maker on hand for emergency. You never know when the electricity may go out and you don’t want to be left without coffee, do you?
In any case, these products produce great-tasting cups of Joe – emergency or not. So take a look at our list of the best non electric coffee makers and start enjoying better coffee today!